The Etiquette of Girls’ Hair Bows

But what about a giant bow on a girl’s hat? Does this send a signal of some sort??

“Girl’s Hairdo Reveals Love Life” 

Really?

As silly as the notion of romantic signals using fans was– not to mention handkerchiefs, parasols and even walking sticks– in the mid-1940’s someone came up with this handy guide for what a young woman’s hairdo signaled regarding her romantic intentions. 

One has to wonder if Ann, Betty, Becky and the other Betty, actually tried this system out to alert others as to whether they were “on the make” or not. Either way, Etiquipedia has found no evidence to back up the validity of this secret code using hair bows, but we do think it’s wonderfully creative.

Bow on the top of her head means that Ann Mitchell is “out to get herself a man.”

Bow worn in back means that Betty Dupree is “not interested in men.”

  

Bow worn on the right side indicates that Becky Brown is deeply in love.

Bow worn at left is a signal and challenge. It means Betty Chaney is “going steady.” — Life Magazine, 1944

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia